Vehicle lift



May 29, 1962 .1. J. PELOUCH 3,036,662

VEHICLEYLIFT Filed Jan. 12, 1959 JAMES J. PELOUCH AT TO RNEYS May 29, 1962 .1. J. PELoUcl-l 3,036,662

VEHICLE LIFT Filed Jan. l2, 1959 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 mmm ll l

4 ,NI/WOR.

WM5 4 J ATTORNEYS 3,036,662 VEHICLE LIFT `lames J. Peloucli, Brecksville, Ohio, assigner to Curtis Manufacturing Company Filed Jan. 1 2, 1959, Ser. No. 786,157 6 Claims. (Cl. E37-8.75)

The invention relates in general to vehicle lifts and more particularly to vehicle lifts wherein a plurality of horizontal and vertical positions may be assumed by the pads which engage the vehicle to be lifted.

An object of the invention is to provide a lift which has arms for supporting vehicle engaging pads which arms are angularly adjustable with respect to their mounting.

Another object of the invention is to provide a lift which has arms for supporting vehicle engaging pads which arms are adjustable lengthwise thereof.

Another object of the invention is to provide a lift which has arms for supporting vehicle engaging pads which are located substantially on the ends of the arms regardless of the position of the arms.

Another object of the invention is to provide a lift with arms which are telescopically extensible and with latch means for limiting the outward extension thereof.

Another object of the invention is to provide a lift with swinging arms and with a unique means of swingably mounting the same.

Another object of the invention is to provide a lift with vehicle engaging pads which are adjustable between a plurality of vertical positions.

Another object of the invention is to provide a Vehicle engaging pad having a construction and means of mounting whereby the same may quickly and easily be adjusted to various positions.

Other objects and a fuller understanding of this invention may be had by referring to the following description and claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a plan view of the vehicle lift of the present invention with the swinging arms shown in various angular and extended positions by the dot-dash lines;

FIGURE 2 is a view taken generally along the line 2 2 of FIGURE l;

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view showing one of the swinging arms of the vehicle lift;

FIGURE 4 is a View taken generally along the line 4 4 of FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 5 is an isometric View showing a vehicle engaging pad on the end of a swinging arm and showing it in one of its positions; and

FIGURE 6 is an enlarged view taken the line 6 6 of FIGURE 3;

The vehicle lift or lifting mechanism of the present invention is shown generally in FIGURES 1 and 2 and comprises a superstructure 10. The superstructure includes a transverse crossbeam l2 secured to the upper portion of a piston 13 which travels in a cylinder 14 and which is movable between various vertical positions as is well understood in this art. The present invention is directed primarily toward the superstructure and as a result, the piston and cylinder arrangement has not been dealt with extensively. The crossbeams 12 has first and second end portions 17 and 18 respectively and first and second anchor blocks 20 and 21 respectively, are lixedly secured thereto by suitable means such as bolts 23. Each of the anchor blocks 20` and 21 are of substantially the same construction and each includes first and second opposed, arcuately extending fianges 26 and 27 respectively, and each of these fianges are spaced from the crossbeam 12 as best seen in FIGURES 2 and 4. The details of construction of the anchor block 21 has the same reference numerals applied thereto as the anchor block 20.

generally along The superstructure which has been shown and described herein is provided with first and second swinging arms 29 and 3l) associated with the first anchor block 20 and third and fourth swinging arms 31 and 32 respectively associated with the anchor block 21. The construction of the swinging arms is substantially the same and the details of construction of only one will be dealt with. Each of the first and second swinging arms as well as the third and fourth are provided with first and second end portions 35 and 36 respectively and pivot means 38 pivotally secure each of the swinging arms to the crossbeam between the first and second end portions thereof. The first end portion of each of the first and second swinging arms 29 and 30 are positioned between the first and second fianges 26 and 27 respectively and the upper surface of the crossbeam 12. This means of mounting the first end portion of the swinging arm enables a substantial load to be applied to the second end portion thereof without detrimental effect.

An extensible pad carrying member 40 is telescopically connected to the second end portion 36 of each of the swinging arms 2,9-32. This construction is best seen in FIGURES 3, 4 and 6. The extensible pad carrying member 40 is capable of being moved inwardly and outwardly between limits on its respective swinging arm. FIGURE 1 shows the innermost position 0f the extensible pad carrying member 40 in the full line drawing and the outermost position is iilustrated in the dot-dash position of FIGURE l as well as the full line position of FIGURES 3, 4 and 6. The outermost position of the pad carrying members on their respective swinging arms is determined by latch means which comprises a stop shoulder 42 formed at the end of a sloping surface on the pad carrying member 40. The latch means also includes a latch member 43 positioned in a recess 44 in the end of the swinging arm. A spring 45 biases the latch member 43 to a position whereat it engages the stop shoulder 42 and limits outward movement of the pad carrying member 40. An opening 46 (FIGURE 6) enables the member 40 to be removed from the arm 29 by permitting an operator to push the latch member into the recess 44 to clear shoulder A vertically adjustable vehicle engaging pad 47 is provided on the end of each of the extensible pad carrying members 40. Each of the vehicle engaging pads 47 is provided with first and second end portions 48 and 49 respectively with the first end portion being generally L-shaped or offset and in a first position of' the vehicle engaging pad fitting over the end of the pad carrying member. This position is best shown in FIGURES l and 2 of the drawings. In this position of the vehicle engaging pad an upper surface 51 of the pad is the surface which engages the frame or other portion of a vehicle to lift the same to an elevated position. Wall means 53 are provided on the second end portion of the vehicle engaging pad and these wall means deiine what may be referred to as slot means. As will be noted from reviewing FIGURE 5 the second end portion of the pad may be described as a yoke type construction and the slot means includes a slot on either side portion of the yoke. Pins 55 are fixedly secured to either side of the pad carrying member and extend through the slots in the first end portion of the pad. This construction enables the vehicle engaging pad to be moved angularly and it may also be moved lengthwise with respect to the swinging arms and the pad carrying members. This construction enables a vehicle engaging pad to be moved into a second position which is shown in GURES 3 and 4 and in this position the L-shaped or offset first end portion of the pad engages the upper surface 57 of lthe pad carrying member 40 and thus raises the heighth of the vehicle engaging pad.

aoaaeea Abutment means 59 are fixedly secured to the pad carrying member by suitable means such as welding and the abutment means are located adjacent the second end portion of the vehicle engaging pad as best seen in FIGURE 5. The abutment means 59 as well as the connection of the slot and pin means enables the pad to be moved to a third position (FIGURE 5 whereat the second end portion of the pad engages the abutment means and the slot and pin connection enables the pad to be moved angularly to an over center position. In this position the pad is positioned at a greater heighth than in either the first or second positions. While in this position the end or offset portion of the pad is in a position to engage the frame or other portion of a vehicle to lift the same to a vertical position. Each of the vehicle engaging pads is provided with an opening 61 through which a hook may be inserted by an operator of the vehicle lift to move the extensible swinging arms to various positions while a vehicle is positioned thereover.

In operation if it is desired to lift a vehicle in order that the same be lubricated or for any other reason, the vehicle is driven into position over the superstructure of the present invention. The present lifting mechanism is designed primarily to engage the frame of the vehicle to lift the same from the ground although it is entirely possible to engage other portions thereof. The swinging arms 29 through 32 are moved to appropriate positions beneath the frame of the vehicle and if there are no pertions of the vehicle which extend below the frame or in such a place as to hinder the engagement of the vehicle pad 47 with the frame, then the superstructure may be raised by actuating the piston and cylinder arrangement 13 and 14 by means which have not been illustrated but which are well known by those skilled in the art. If some portion of the vehicle extends below the frame to a position where it would engage the swinging arms before the pads if the superstructure is raised, the vertical position of the vehicle engaging pads may be changed to either the position shown in FIGURE 4 or that shown in FIGURE 5. To move the vehicle engaging pad to the position of either FiGURE 4 or 5 will be readily appreciated from a review of the discussion given hereinabove. When this has been accomplished the superstructure may be raised as described hereinabove and the vehicle engaging pads will engage the frame and lift the vehicle While the obstructions of the vehicle extending below the frame avoid contact with the swinging arms.

It will thus be seen that a vehicle lift has been provided wherein a plurality of horizontal as well as vertical positions may be assumed by the vehicle engaging pads. It Will also be apparent that the lift is provided with arms which may be angularly adjustable and/or adjustable lengthwise thereof. The vehicle engaging pads are located substantially on the very ends of the arms regardless of the angular position of the arm or the extended position thereof. This is particularly advantageous over lifts presently in commercial use in that if a different position is desired for the vehicle engaging pad then the pad must be shifted whereas the arm or support structure is maintained in the same position. The invention has also disclosed a means of constructing the arms whereby they are telescopically extensible and also has provided a unique means of mounting the arms. The vehicle engaging pads as discussed hereinabove may be easily and quickly adjusted between a plurality of vertical positions.

Although this invention has been described in its preferred form with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure of the preferred form has been made only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction and the combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

What is claimed is:

1. A vehicle lifting mechanism comprising a superstructtue, said superstructure including a transverse crossbeam secured to an upper portion of a piston movable in a cylinder, said crossbeam having first and sec-ond end portions, first and second anchor blocks fixedly secured to said first and second cro'ssbeam end portions respectively, each said first and second anchor blocks having first and second opposed, arcuately extending flanges spaced from said crossbeam, first and second swinging arms each having first and second end portions, pivot means pivotally securing each of said swinging arms to said crossbeam between said first and second end portions with said first end portion of said first and second swinging arms residing between said first and second opposed arcuately extending fianges respectively and said crossbeam, an extensible pad carrying member telescopically connected to said second end portion of each said first and second swinging arms, latch means for limiting the telescoping movement of said pad carrying member, a vertically adjustable vehicle engaging pad on each said pad carrying member, each said vehicle engaging pad having first and second end portions with said first end portion being generally L-shaped and in a first position of said vehicle engaging pad fitting over the end of said pad carrying member, wall means on said second end portion of said vehicle engaging pad defining slot means, pin means extending through said slot means and into said pad carrying member to mount said vehicle engaging pad thereto, said slot and pin means enabling said vehicle engaging pad to be shifted lengthwise relative to said pad carrying member to a second position whereat said L-shaped first end portion engages the upper surface of said pad carrying member toI raise the height of said Vehicle engaging pad, abutment means fixedly secured to said pad carrying member adjacent said second end portion of vehicle engaging pad, said vehicle engaging pad in a third position having said second end portion thereof engaging said abutment means to maintain the same at a greater height than at said second position.

2. A vehicle lifting mechanism comprising a superstructure, said superstructure including a crossbeam, said crossbeam having first and second end portions, first and second anchor blocks fxedly secured to said first and second crossbeam end portions respectively, each said first and second anchor blocks having first and second opposed flanges spaced from said crossbeam, first and second swinging arms each having first and second end portions, pivot means pivotally securing each of said swinging arms to said crossbeam between said first and second end portions thereof with said `first end portion of said first and second swinging arms residing between said first and second opposed flanges respectively and said crossbeam, an extensible pad carrying member telescopic-ally connected to said second end portion of each said first and second swinging arms, means for limiting the telescoping movement of said pad carrying member, a vertically adjustable vehicle engaging pad on each said pad carrying member, each said vehicle engaging pad having first and second end portions with said first end portion being generally offset and in a first position of said vehicle engaging pad fitting over the end of said pad carrying member, wall means on said second end portion of said vehicle engaging pad defining slot means, pin means extending through said slot means and into said pad carrying member to mount said vehicle engaging pad thereto, said slot and pin means enabling said vehicle engaging pad to be shifted lengthwise relative to said pad carrying member to a second position whereat said offset first end portion engages the upper portion of said pad carrying member to raise the height of said vehicle engaging pad, abutment means fixedly secured to said pad carrying member adjacent said second end portion of vehicle engaging pad, said vehicle engaging pad in a third position having said second end portion thereof engaging said abutment means to maintain the same at a greater height than at said second position.

3. A vehicle lifting mechanism comprising a superstructure, said superstructure including a crossbeam, an anchor yblock fixedly secured to said crossbeam, said anchor block having a flange spaced from said crossbeam, a swinging arm having first and second end portions, pivot means pivotally securing said swinging arm to said crossbeam between said first and second end portions thereof with said first endportion of said swinging arm residing between said flange and said crossbeam, an extensible pad carrying member connected :to said second end portion of said swinging arm, a vertically adjustable vehicle engaging pad on said pad carrying member, said Vehicle engaging pad having first and second end portions with said first end portion being generally offset and in a first position of said vehicle engaging pad fitting over the end of said pad carrying member, wall means on said second end portion of said vehicle engaging pad defining slot means, pin means extending through said slot means and into said pad carrying member to mount said vehicle engaging pad thereto, abutment means fixedly secured to said pad carrying member adjacent said second end portion of vehicle engaging pad and adapted to engage the same, said slot and pin means and said vabutment means enabling said vehicle engaging pad to be positioned at various vertical positions.

4. A vehicle lifting mechanism including in combination a pad supporting member having an end portion, a pad member having first and second end portions, slot and pin means connecting said first end portion of said pad member to said pad supporting member whereby said pad member may `be shifted lengthwise :and pivoted relative to said pad supporting member, said pad mem- 'ber in a first position `being substantially flush with the upper surface of said pad supporting member, wall means between said second end portion of said pad member and said pad supporting member in a second position of said pad member whereby said pad member is raised above said upper surface of said pad supporting member, and abutment means on said pad suporting member for engagement with said pad member whereby said pad member is raised to a third position which is higher than said second position.

5. A vehicle lift including in combination a pad supporting member having an end portion and an upper surface, walls on either side of said end portion of said pad supporting member having a vertical height of a first distance above said upper surface, a pad member having first and second end portions, said first end portion of said pad member having a wall member which extends at an angle with respect to the extent of said pad member, a pin member on the side of said pad supporting member, `an elongated slot on said second end portion of said pad mem-ber interfitting with said pin member to connect said pad member and pad supporting members together for pivotal and longitudinal movement with respect to each other, said pad member in a first position having said Wall member overhanging said end portion of said pad supporting member and said pad member being of such a thickness that the upper surface thereof is substantially fiat with the upper surface of said walls, pivotal and longitudinal movement of said pad member to a second position causing said wall member to engage said upper surface of said pad supporting member between said walls to raise said first end portion of said pad member to a second vertical height, an abutment member on the side of said pad supporting member adjacent said pin member, pivotal and longitudinal movement of said pad member to `a third position causing said second end portion thereof to engage said abutment member to raise said first end portion of said pad member to a third vertical height.

6. A vehicle lift including in combination a pad supporting member having an end portion and an upper surface, wall means on `said end portion of said pad supporting member having a vertical height of a first distance above said upper surface, a pad member having first and second end portions, said first end portion of said pad member having a wall member which extends at an angle with respect to the extent of said pad member, pin and slot means for connecting said pad and pad supporting members together for pivotal and longitudinal movement with respect to each other, said pad member in =a first position having said wall member overhanging said end portion of said pad supporting member and said pad member being of such a thickness that the upper surface thereof is substantially flat with the upper surface of said wall means, pivotal and longitudinal movement of said pad member to a second position causing said wall member to engage said upper surface of said pad supporting member .to raise said first end portion of said pad member to a second vertical height, an abutment member on said pad supporting member, pivotal and longitudinal movement of said pad member to a third position causing same to engage said abutment member to raise said pad member to a third vertical height.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,968,416 Mizer July 31, 1934 2,659,455 Green Nov. 17, 1953 2,878,897 Cochin Mar. 24, 1959 FOREIGN PATENTS 1,143,700 France Apr. 15, 1957 

